Outpatient management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding:A new perspective in high-risk patients

Mid-gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for approximately 5%-10%of all gastrointestinal bleeding cases,and vascular lesions represent the most frequent cause.The rebleeding rate for these lesions is quite high(about 42%).We hereby recommend that scheduled outpatient management of these patients could reduce the risk of rebleeding episodes.

Automatic detection of small bowel lesions with different bleeding risks based on deep learning models

BACKGROUND Deep learning provides an efficient automatic image recognition method for small bowel(SB)capsule endoscopy(CE)that can assist physicians in diagnosis.However,the existing deep learning models present some unresolved challenges.AIM To propose a novel and effective classification and detection model to automatically identify various SB lesions and their bleeding risks,and label the lesions accurately so as to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of physicians and the ability to identify high-risk bleeding groups.METHODS The proposed model represents a two-stage method that combined image classification with object detection.First,we utilized the improved ResNet-50 classification model to classify endoscopic images into SB lesion images,normal SB mucosa images,and invalid images.Then,the improved YOLO-V5 detection model was utilized to detect the type of lesion and its risk of bleeding,and the location of the lesion was marked.We constructed training and testing sets and compared model-assisted reading with physician reading.RESULTS The accuracy of the model constructed in this study reached 98.96%,which was higher than the accuracy of other systems using only a single module.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the model-assisted reading detection of all images were 99.17%,99.92%,and 99.86%,which were significantly higher than those of the endoscopists’diagnoses.The image processing time of the model was 48 ms/image,and the image processing time of the physicians was 0.40±0.24 s/image(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The deep learning model of image classification combined with object detection exhibits a satisfactory diagnostic effect on a variety of SB lesions and their bleeding risks in CE images,which enhances the diagnostic efficiency of physicians and improves the ability of physicians to identify high-risk bleeding groups.

Importance of risk assessment,endoscopic hemostasis,and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)is a common medical emergency in clinical practice.While the incidence has significantly reduced,the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades,thus presenting a significant challenge.This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis.Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population,the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes.A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly.Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality.Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC(age,blood tests,co-morbidities)score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions.While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches,novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives,particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities.By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities,clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding risks

Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.

Artificial intelligence in detection of small bowel lesions and their bleeding risk:A new step forward

The present letter to the editor is related to the study with the title“Automatic detection of small bowel(SB)lesions with different bleeding risk based on deep learning models”.Capsule endoscopy(CE)is the main tool to assess SB diseases but it is a time-consuming procedure with a significant error rate.The development of artificial intelligence(AI)in CE could simplify physicians’tasks.The novel deep learning model by Zhang et al seems to be able to identify various SB lesions and their bleeding risk,and it could pave the way to next perspective studies to better enhance the diagnostic support of AI in the detection of different types of SB lesions in clinical practice.

Risk factors for hemocoagulase-associated hypofibrinogenemia in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND With the widespread use of hemocoagulase in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,clinicians have become increasingly concerned about coagulation dis-orders associated with this medication.Risk factors for hypofibrinogenemia asso-ciated with hemocoagulase are poorly understood.AIM To determine risk factors for hemocoagulase-associated hypofibrinogenemia in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical documentation of hospit-alized patients treated with hemocoagulase for gastrointestinal bleeding.Hypofib-rinogenemia was defined as a decrease in plasma fibrinogen concentration to less than 2.0 g/L.The included patients were divided into two groups:acquired hypofibrinogenemia group and non-hypofibrinogenemia group.We used logistic regression analysis to identify potential risk factors and established risk assess-RESULTS There were 36 patients in the acquired hypofibrinogenemia group and 73 patients in the non-hypofibrinogenemia group.The hypofibrinogenemia group showed higher rates of intensive care unit admissions(P=0.021),more female patients(P=0.005),higher in-hospital mortality(P=0.027),larger hemocoagulase doses(P=0.026),more Packed Red Cells transfusions(P=0.024),and lower baseline fibrinogen levels(P<0.000).Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the risk factors associated with acquired hypofibrinogenemia.The analysis revealed that baseline fibrinogen[odds ratio(OR)0.252,95%CI:0.137-0.464,P<0.000],total hemocoagulase doses(OR 1.074,95%CI:1.015-1.137,P=0.014),and female gender(OR 2.856,95%CI:1.015–8.037,P=0.047)were statist-ically significant risk factors.CONCLUSION Higher doses of total hemocoagulase,female gender,and a lower baseline fibrinogen level were risk factors for hemocoagulase-associated hypofibrinogenemia in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

A Nomogram Model for Prediction of Mortality Risk of Patients with Dangerous Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding:A Two-center Retrospective Study

Objective:This study aimed to establish a nomogram model to predict the mortality risk of patients with dangerous upper gastrointestinal bleeding(DUGIB),and identify high-risk patients who require emergent therapy.Methods:From January 2020 to April 2022,the clinical data of 256 DUGIB patients who received treatments in the intensive care unit(ICU)were retrospectively collected from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University(n=179)and the Eastern Campus of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University(n=77).The 179 patients were treated as the training cohort,and 77 patients as the validation cohort.Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the independent risk factors,and R packages were used to construct the nomogram model.The prediction accuracy and identification ability were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,C index and calibration curve.The nomogram model was also simultaneously externally validated.Decision curve analysis(DCA)was then used to demonstrate the clinical value of the model.Results:Logistic regression analysis showed that hematemesis,urea nitrogen level,emergency endoscopy,AIMS65,Glasgow Blatchford score and Rockall score were all independent risk factors for DUGIB.The ROC curve analysis indicated the area under curve(AUC)of the training cohort was 0.980(95%CI:0.962-0.997),while the AUC of the validation cohort was 0.790(95%CI:0.685-0.895).The calibration curves were tested for Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit for both training and validation cohorts(P=0.778,P=0.516).Conclusion:The developed nomogram is an effective tool for risk stratification,early identification and intervention for DUGIB patients.

Age,blood tests and comorbidities and AIMS65 risk scores outperform Glasgow-Blatchford and pre-endoscopic Rockall score in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates.AIM To compare the performance of pre-endoscopic risk scores in predicting the following primary outcomes:In-hospital mortality,intervention(endoscopic or surgical)and length of admission(≥7 d).METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 363 patients presenting with upper GI bleeding from December 2020 to January 2021.We calculated and compared the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves(AUROCs)of Glasgow-Blatchford score(GBS),pre-endoscopic Rockall score(PERS),albumin,international normalized ratio,altered mental status,systolic blood pressure,age older than 65(AIMS65)and age,blood tests and comorbidities(ABC),including their optimal cut-off in variceal and non-variceal upper GI bleeding cohorts.We subsequently analyzed through a logistic binary regression model,if addition of lactate increased the score performance.RESULTS All scores had discriminative ability in predicting in-hospital mortality irrespective of study group.AIMS65 score had the best performance in the variceal bleeding group(AUROC=0.772;P<0.001),and ABC score(AUROC=0.775;P<0.001)in the non-variceal bleeding group.However,ABC score,at a cut-off value of 5.5,was the best predictor(AUROC=0.770,P=0.001)of inhospital mortality in both populations.PERS score was a good predictor for endoscopic treatment(AUC=0.604;P=0.046)in the variceal population,while GBS score,(AUROC=0.722;P=0.024),outperformed the other scores in predicting surgical intervention.Addition of lactate to AIMS65 score,increases by 5-fold the probability of in-hospital mortality(P<0.05)and by 12-fold if added to GBS score(P<0.003).No score proved to be a good predictor for length of admission.CONCLUSION ABC score is the most accurate in predicting in-hospital mortality in both mixed and non-variceal bleeding population.PERS and GBS should be used to determine need for endoscopic and surgical intervention,respectively.Lactate can be used as an additional tool to risk scores for predicting inhospital mortality.

Systematic treatment in gastric cancer patients with overt bleeding:A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND Hemorrhage,which is not a rare complication in patients with gastric cancer(GC)/gastroesophageal junction cancer(GEJC),can lead to a poor prognosis.However,no study has examined the effectiveness and safety of chemotherapy as an initial therapy for GC/GEJC patients with overt bleeding(OB).AIM To investigate the impact of OB on the survival and treatment-related adverse events(TRAEs)of GC/GEJC patients.METHODS Patients with advanced or metastatic GC/GEJC who received systematic treatment at Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled in this study.Propensity score matching(PSM)analysis was performed.RESULTS After 1:2 PSM analysis,93 patients were assessed,including 32 patients with OB before treatment(OBBT)and 61 patients without OBBT.The disease control rate was 90.6%in the group with OBBT and 88.5%in the group without OBBT,and this difference was not statistically significant.There was no difference in the incidence of TRAEs between the group with OBBT and the group without OBBT.The median overall survival(mOS)was 15.2 months for patients with OBBT and 23.7 months for those without OBBT[hazard ratio(HR)=1.101,95%confidence interval(CI):0.672-1.804,log rank P=0.701].The mOS was worse for patients with OB after treatment(OBAT)than for those without OBAT(11.4 months vs 23.7 months,HR=1.787,95%CI:1.006-3.175,log rank P=0.044).CONCLUSION The mOS for GC/GEJC patients with OBBT was similar to that for those without OBBT,but the mOS for patients with OBAT was worse than that for those without OBAT.

First-line endoscopic treatment with over-the-scope clips significantly improves the primary failure and rebleeding rates in high-risk gastrointestinal bleeding: A single-center experience with 100 cases

AIM To evaluate rebleeding, primary failure(PF) and mortality of patients in whom over-the-scope clips(OTSCs) were used as first-line and second-line endoscopic treatment(FLET, SLET) of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB, LGIB).METHODS A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database identified all patients with UGIB and LGIB in a tertiary endoscopic referral center of the University of Freiburg, Germany, from 04-2012 to 05-2016(n= 93) who underwent FLET and SLET with OTSCs. The complete Rockall risk scores were calculated from patients with UGIB. The scores were categorized as < or ≥ 7 and were compared with the original Rockall data. Differences between FLET and SLET were calculated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the factors that influenced rebleeding after OTSC placement.RESULTS Primary hemostasis and clinical success of bleeding lesions(without rebleeding) was achieved in 88/100(88%) and 78/100(78%), respectively. PF was significantly lower when OTSCs were applied as FLET compared to SLET(4.9% vs 23%, P = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, patients who had OTSC placement as SLET had a significantly higher rebleeding risk compared to those who had FLET(OR 5.3; P = 0.008). Patients with Rockall risk scores ≥ 7 had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to those with scores < 7(35% vs 10%, P = 0.034). No significant differences were observed in patients with scores < or ≥ 7 in rebleeding and rebleeding-associated mortality.CONCLUSION Our data show for the first time that FLET with OTSC might be the best predictor to successfully prevent rebleeding of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to SLET. The type of treatment determines the success of primary hemostasis or primary failure.

Prognostic value of risk scoring systems for cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND Acute variceal bleeding is one of the deadliest complications of cirrhosis,with a high risk of in-hospital rebleeding and mortality.Some risk scoring systems to predict clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding have been developed.However,for cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding,data regarding the predictive value of these prognostic scores in predicting in-hospital outcomes are limited and controversial.AIM To validate and compare the overall performance of selected prognostic scoring systems for predicting in-hospital outcomes in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding.METHODS From March 2017 to June 2019,cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding were retrospectively enrolled at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University.The clinical Rockall score(CRS),AIMS65 score(AIMS65),Glasgow-Blatchford score(GBS),modified GBS(mGBS),Canada-United Kingdom-Australia score(CANUKA),Child-Turcotte-Pugh score(CTP),model for endstage liver disease(MELD)and MELD-Na were calculated.The overall performance of these prognostic scoring systems was evaluated.RESULTS A total of 330 cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding were enrolled;the rates of in-hospital rebleeding and mortality were 20.3%and 10.6%,respectively.For inhospital rebleeding,the discriminative ability of the CTP and CRS were clinically acceptable,with area under the receiver operating characteristic curves(AUROCs)of 0.717(0.648-0.787)and 0.716(0.638-0.793),respectively.The other tested scoring systems had poor discriminative ability(AUROCs<0.7).For inhospital mortality,the CRS,CTP,AIMS65,MELD-Na and MELD showed excellent discriminative ability(AUROCs>0.8).The AUROCs of the mGBS,CANUKA and GBS were relatively small,but clinically acceptable(AUROCs>0.7).Furthermore,the calibration of all scoring systems was good for either inhospital rebleeding or death.CONCLUSION For cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding,in-hospital rebleeding and mortality rates remain high.The CTP and CRS can be used clinically to predict in-hospital rebleeding.The performances of the CRS,CTP,AIMS65,MELD-Na and MELD are excellent at predicting in-hospital mortality.

Bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection: Risk factors and preventive methods

Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) has become widely accepted as a standard method of treatment for superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms because it enables en block resection even for large lesions or fibrotic lesions with minimal invasiveness, and decreases the local recurrence rate. Moreover, specimens resected in an en block fashion enable accurate histological assessment. Taking these factors into consideration, ESD seems to be more advantageous than conventional endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR), but the associated risks of perioperative adverse events are higher than in EMR. Bleeding after ESD is the most frequent among these adverse events. Although post-ESD bleeding can be controlled by endoscopic hemostasis in most cases, it may lead to serious conditions including hemorrhagic shock. Even with preventive methods including administration of acid secretion inhibitors and preventive hemostasis, post-ESD bleeding cannot be completely prevented. In addition high-risk cases for post-ESD bleeding, which include cases with the use of antithrombotic agents or which require large resection, are increasing. Although there have been many reports about associated risk factors and methods of preventing post-ESD bleeding, many issues remain unsolved. Therefore, in this review, we have overviewed risk factors and methods of preventing post-ESD bleeding from previous studies. Endoscopists should have sufficient knowledge of these risk factors and preventive methods when performing ESD.

Prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk factors among the general population and osteoarthritis patients

AIM To assess the prevalence of possible risk factors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB) and their agegroup specific trend among the general population and osteoarthritis patients.METHODS We utilized data from the National Health InsuranceService that included claims data and results of the national health check-up program. Comorbid conditions(peptic ulcer, diabetes, liver disease, chronic renal failure, and gastroesophageal reflux disease), concomitant drugs(aspirin, clopidogrel, cilostazol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid, anticoagulants, and SSRI), personal habits(smoking, and alcohol consumption) were considered as possible UGIB risk factors. We randomly imputed the prevalence of infection in the data considering the age-specific prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in Korea. The prevalence of various UGIB risk factors and the age-group specific trend of the prevalence were identified. Prevalence was compared between osteoarthritis patients and others.RESULTS A total of 801926 subjects(93855 osteoarthritis patients) aged 20 and above were included. The prevalence of individual and concurrent multiple risk factors became higher as the age increased. The prevalence of each comorbid condition and concomitant drug were higher in osteoarthritis patients. Thirty-five point zero two percent of the overall population and 68.50% of osteoarthritis patients had at least one or more risk factors of UGIB. The prevalence of individual and concurrent multiple risk factors in younger age groups were also substantial. Furthermore, when personal habits(smoking, and alcohol consumption) and H. pylori infection were included, the prevalence of concurrent multiple risk factors increased greatly even in younger age groups.CONCLUSION Prevalence of UGIB risk factors was high in elderly population, but was also considerable in younger population. Patient with osteoarthritis was at higher UGIB risk than those without osteoarthritis. Physicians s h o u ld c o n s id e r in d i v i d u a li z e d r i s k a s s e s s m e n t regardless of age when prescribing drugs or performing procedures that may increase the risk of UGIB, and take necessary measures to reduce modifiable risk factors such as H. pylori eradication or lifestyle counseling.

Post-polypectomy bleeding and thromboembolism risks associated with warfarin vs direct oral anticoagulants

AIM To verify the validity of the endoscopy guidelines for patients taking warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants(DOAC).METHODS We collected data from 218 patients receiving oral anticoagulants(73 DOAC users, 145 warfarin users) and 218 patients not receiving any antithrombotics(age-and sexmatched controls) who underwent polypectomy.(1) We evaluated post-polypectomy bleeding(PPB) risk in patients receiving warfarin or DOAC compared with controls;(2) we assessed the risks of PPB and thromboembolism between three AC management methods: Discontinuing AC with heparin bridge(HPB)(endoscopy guideline recommendation), continuing AC, and discontinuing AC without HPB.RESULTS PPB rate was significantly higher in warfarin users and DOAC users compared with controls(13.7% and 13.7% vs 0.9%, P < 0.001), but was not significantly different between rivaroxaban(13.2%), dabigatran(11.1%), and apixaban(13.3%) users. Two thromboembolic events occurred in warfarin users, but none in DOAC users. Compared with the continuing anticoagulant group, the discontinuing anticoagulant with HPB group(guideline recommendation) had a higher PPB rate(10.8% vs 19.6%, P = 0.087). These findings were significantly evident in warfarin but not DOAC users. One thrombotic event occurred in the discontinuing anticoagulant with HPB group and the discontinuing anticoagulant without HPB group; none occurred in the continuing anticoagulant group.CONCLUSION PPB risk was similar between patients taking warfarin and DOAC. Thromboembolism was observed in warfarin users only. The guideline recommendations for HPB should be re-considered.

Bleeding risk assessment in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome

Nowadays,elderly people represent a growing population segment with a well known increased risk of both ischemic and bleeding events.Current acute coronary syndrome guidelines,strongly recommend dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT)with few specific references for aged patients due to lack of evidence.Patients aged>75 years are misrepresented in the classic derivation trials cohorts.Strategies to reduce the bleeding risk in this group of patients are urgently needed for the daily clinical practice.Identify the specific age related bleeding risk factors and the importance of an integral geriatric assessment remains challenging.Some of the available in-hospital and out-hospital bleeding risk scores have shown a lower to moderate predictive ability in older patients and no specific tools are developed in elderly population.The importance of an appropriate vascular access choice,type and duration of antiplatelet drugs is crucial to reduce the bleeding risk.Increase radial approaches and short DAPT duration leads to reduce hemorrhages.One interesting subgroup of patients is those who need chronic anticoagulation therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention,due to their very high risk of bleeding.New alternatives as dual therapy with oral anticoagulation and only one antiplatlet drug should be considered.In current review,we evaluate the available evidence about bleeding risk in elderly.

Risk factors for predicting early variceal rebleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation

AIM: To analyze the clinical risk factors for early variceal rebleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL).METHODS: 342 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices who received elective EVL to prevent bleeding or rebleeding at our endoscopy center between January 2005 and July 2010.were included in this study.The early rebleeding cases after EVL were confirmed by clinical signs or endoscopy.A case-control study was performed comparing the patients presenting with early rebleeding with those without this complication.RESULTS: The incidence of early rebleeding after EVL was 7.60%,and the morbidity of rebleeding was 26.9%.Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that four variables were independent risk factors for early rebleeding: moderate to excessive ascites [odds ratio (OR) 62.83,95% CI: 9.39-420.56,P < 0.001],the number of bands placed (OR 17.36,95% CI: 4.00-75.34,P < 0.001),the extent of varices (OR 15.41,95% CI: 2.84-83.52,P = 0.002) and prothrombin time (PT) > 18 s (OR 11.35,95% CI: 1.93-66.70,P = 0.007).CONCLUSION: The early rebleeding rate after EVL is mainly affected by the volume of ascites,number of rubber bands used to ligate,severity of varices and prolonged PT.Effective measures for prevention and treatment should be adopted before and after EVL.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk scores： Who, when andwhy？

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB) remains a significant cause of hospital admission. In order to stratify patients according to the risk of the compli-cations, such as rebleeding or death, and to predict the need of clinical intervention, several risk scores have been proposed and their use consistently recommended by international guidelines. The use of risk scoring systems in early assessment of patients suffering from UGIB may be useful to distinguish high-risks patients, who may need clinical intervention and hospitalization, from low risk patients with a lower chance of developing complications, in which management as outpatients can be considered. Although several scores have been published and validated for predicting different outcomes, the most frequently cited ones are the Rockall score and the Glasgow Blatchford score(GBS). While Rockall score, which incorporates clinical and endoscopic variables, has been validated to predict mortality, the GBS, which is based on clinical and laboratorial parameters, has been studied to predict the need of clinical intervention. Despite the advantages previously reported, their use in clinical decisions is still limited. This review describes the different risk scores used in the UGIB setting, highlights the most important research, explains why and when their use may be helpful, reflects on the problems that remain unresolved and guides future research with practical impact.

The vital threat of an upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Risk factor analysis of 121 consecutive patients

AIM： To analyze the importance in predicting patients risk of mortality due to upper gastrointestinal （UGI） bleeding under today＇s therapeutic regimen. METHODS： From 1998 to 2001, 121 patients with the diagnosis of UGI bleeding were treated in our hospital. Based on the patients＇ data, a retrospective multivariate data analysis with initially more than 270 single factors was performed. Subsequently, the following potential risk factors underwent a logistic regression analysis： age, gender, initial hemoglobin, coumarines, liver cirrhosis, prothrombin time （PT）, gastric ulcer （small curvature）, duodenal ulcer （bulbus back wall）, Forrest classification, vascular stump, variceal bleeding, MalloryWeiss syndrome, RBC substitution, recurrent bleeding, conservative and surgical therapy. RESULTS： Seventy male （58%） and 51 female （42%） patients with a median age of 70 （range： 21-96） years were treated. Their in-hospital mortality was 14%. While 12% （11/91） of the patients died after conservative therapy, 20% （6/30） died after undergoing surgical therapy. UGI bleeding occurred due to duodenal ulcer （n = 36; 30%）, gastric ulcer （n = 35; 29%）, esophageal varicosis （n = 12; 10%）, Mallory-Weiss syndrome （n = 8, 7%）, erosive lesions of the mucosa （n = 20; 17%）, cancer （n = 5; 4%）, coagulopathy （n = 4; 3%）, lymphoma （n = 2; 2%）, benign tumor （n = 2; 2%） and unknown reason （n = 1, 1%）. A logistic regression analysis of all aforementioned factors revealed that liver cirrhosis and duodenal ulcer （bulbus back wall） were associated risk factors for a fatal course after UGI bleeding. Prior to endoscopy, only liver cirrhosis was an assessable risk factor. Thereafter, liver cirrhosis, the location of a bleeding ulcer （bulbus back wall） andpatients＇ gender （male） were of prognostic importance for the clinical outcome （mortality） of patients with a bleeding ulcer.CONCLUSION： Most prognostic parameters used in clinical routine today are not reliable enough in predicting a patient＇s vital threat posed by an UGI bleeding.Liver cirrhosis, on the other hand, is significantly more frequently associated with an increased risk to die after bleeding of an ulcer located at the posterior duodenal wall.

Risk factors for colonic diverticular bleeding:A Westernized community based hospital study

AIM： To evaluate the risk factors-other than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-for colonic diverticular bleeding in a westernized population. METHODS： One hundred and forty patients, treated for symptomatic diverticular disease in a community based hospital, were included. Thirty （21%） had signs of diverticular bleeding. Age, gender, and the results of colonoscopy were collected and compared to a group of patients with nonbleeding symptomatic diverticulosis. Records were reviewed for comorbidities, such as obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking habits and metabolic diseases. Special emphasis was put on arterial hypertension, cardiovascular events, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia and hypercholesterinemia. RESULTS： There was no difference between patients with diverticular hemorrhage and those with nonbleeding symptomatic diverticulosis regarding gender ratio （male/female 9/21 vs 47/63） and diverticular Iocalisation. Bleeding patients differed in respect to age （73.4± 9.9 vs 67. 8± 13.0, P 〈 0.013）. Significant differences were found between both groups regarding the presence of hyperuricemia and use of steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients with three concomitant metabolic diseases were also identified as being at risk of bleeding. A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed steroids, hyperuricemia and the use of calcium-channel blockers as independent risk factors of bleeding.CONCLUSION： Beside nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory steroid drug use, antihypertensive medication and concomitant arteriosclerotic diseases are risk factors for colonic diverticular hemorrhage. Our results support the hypothesis of an altered arteriosclerotic vessel as the source of bleeding.

Incidence and risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients

The widespread use of gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis in critically ill patients was one of the most controversial issues. Since few studies reported the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients, this study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors related to gastrointestinal bleeding in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. A total of 283 IOU patients who had received mechanical ventilation for longer than 48 hours at a provincial hospital affiliated to Shandong University from January 1,2007 to December 31, 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Those were excluded from the study if they had a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, recent gastrointestinal surgery, brain death and active bleeding from the nose or throat. Demographic data of the patients included patient age, diagnosis on admission, duration of ICU stay, duration of ventilation, patterns and parameters of ventilation, ICU mortality, APACHE II score, multiple organ dysfunction, and indexes of biochemistry, kidney function, liver function and coagulation function. Risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding were analyzed by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. In the 242 patients who were given mechanical ventilation longer than 48 hours, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was 46.7%. The bleeding in 3.3% of the patients was clinically significant. Significant risk factors were peak inspiratory pressure 〉30cmH2O, renal failure, liver failure, PLT count〈50xl09/L and prolonged APTT. Enteral nutrition had a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal bleeding. However, the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding were as follows： high pressure ventilator setting 〉 30cmH2O（RR=3.478, 95%CI=2.208-10.733）, renal failure（RR=1 .687, 95%CI=1.098-3.482）, PLT count〈50×10^9/L （RR=3.762, 95%CI=2.346-14.685）, and prolonged APTT（RR=5.368, 95%CI=2.487-11.266）. Enteral nutrition（RR=0.436, 95%CI= 0.346-0.764） was the independent protective factor. The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was high in the patients who received mechanical ventilation, and bleeding usually occurred within the first 48 hours. High pressure ventilator setting, renal failure, decreased PLT count and prolonged APTT were the significant risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding. However, enteral nutrition was the independent protective factor.